A Laskari Dictionary

“A Laskari Dictionary Or Anglo-Indian Vocabulary of Nautical Terms and Phrases in English and Hindustani” by Thomas Roebuck, first published in 1882, is a comprehensive resource on 19th-century maritime language. The dictionary focuses on the terminology used by Laskaris, Indian sailors serving in the British Navy. It is organized into two sections English nautical terms with Hindustani equivalents and Hindustani terms with English translations. Additionally, it offers a pronunciation guide for Hindustani words and a brief introduction to the language's grammar. The work captures the linguistic and cultural exchange between British and Indian sailors, documenting the "corrupt jargon" prevalent among Laskaris. This dictionary serves as a valuable tool for understanding the British Navy's history and the cultural interactions during colonial India, providing insights into how language facilitated collaboration in a multicultural maritime setting.